Abstract: A tripod joint assembly for connecting first and second overlapping panel segments of a flowpath liner in a gas turbine engine includes a threaded fastener extending through an opening in the first overlapping panel segment and adjacent to an outer segment edge of the second overlapping panel segment disposed on the first overlapping segment. The assembly further includes a tripod plate having first and second plate edges and an access hole therebetween. The first plate edge contacts the first overlapping panel segment, the second plate edge contacts the outer segment edge of the second overlapping panel segment. The access hole is disposed around the threaded fastener. First and second washers are disposed around the threaded fastener, the first washer on the tripod plate opposite to the overlapping panel segments, and the second washer on the first washer opposite to the tripod plate. A threaded locknut secures the assembly.

Abstract: A tripod joint assembly for connecting first and second overlapping panel segments of a flowpath liner in a gas turbine engine includes a threaded fastener extending through an opening in the first overlapping panel segment and adjacent to an outer segment edge of the second overlapping panel segment disposed on the first overlapping segment. The assembly further includes a tripod plate having first and second plate edges and an access hole therebetween. The first plate edge contacts the first overlapping panel segment, the second plate edge contacts the outer segment edge of the second overlapping panel segment. The access hole is disposed around the threaded fastener. First and second washers are disposed around the threaded fastener, the first washer on the tripod plate opposite to the overlapping panel segments, and the second washer on the first washer opposite to the tripod plate. A threaded locknut secures the assembly.

Abstract: A method of forming an indium-containing transparent conductive oxide by reactive sputtering a metal target containing indium in an oxygen containing atmosphere and then depositing the resulting indium oxide on a substrate. Metal targets used in the method and photovoltaic devices utilizing the transparent conductive oxides are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite floor pan may be joined with other structural members of an automotive vehicle. External loads imparted to the structural members may be transferred to the floor pan. The floor pan may be configured to absorb and/or transfer these external loads without separating.

Abstract: A composite floor pan may be joined with other structural members of an automotive vehicle. External loads imparted to the structural members may be transferred to the floor pan. The floor pan may be configured to absorb and/or transfer these external loads without separating.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film photovoltaic module comprising series connected cells, the cells comprising a front contact, a back contact and a photovoltaically active region positioned between the front and back contacts, the series connected cell being formed by scribing a front contact layer, a photovoltaically active layer and a back contact layer on a substrate, the method comprising laser scribing at least one of the front contact layer, the photovoltaically active layer or the back contact layer to form laser scribes using a laser beam scanned rapidly over the layer.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising a supporting substrate, a front contact layer on the substrate, a layer or layers of semiconductor material and a back contact layer comprising a metal, the back contact having areas without metal thereby permitting the passage of light through the cell.

Abstract: A sealed photovoltaic module comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a seal between the first and second substrates positioned at or near the edges of the substrates and forming a sealed chamber defined by the first and second substrates and the seal, and at least one thin film photovoltaic element positioned between the first and second substrate and at least partly within the chamber.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell comprising a supporting substrate, a front contact layer on the substrate, a layer or layers of semiconductor material and a back contact layer comprising a metal, the back contact having areas without metal thereby permitting the passage of light through the cell.

Abstract: A thin-film semiconductor device comprising a substrate and a front contact layer disposed on said substrate including a plurality of segments separated by first scribe lines, a plurality of the segments forming a submodule, and at least one of the submodules forming a module. A bus is provided for interconnecting two or more of the submodules in parallel with each other. A thin film of a semiconductor material is disposed on the front contact layer and a back contact layer disposed on the thin film of semiconductor material. The back contact layer is scribed along second scribe lines corresponding to and adjacent the first scribe lines. An interconnection is provided for interconnecting adjacent areas of the rear and back contact layers.